From Trash to Treasure: Cities leading the circular revolution in G20 countries

The traditional way of living in India with regard to the consumption of resources had never been linear. We did not use and discard things. We used, reused, and repurposed things for maximum utilisation. Indian civilization has always revered nature, recognised the interconnectedness of all living beings, and utilised resources mindfully. Our city systems must learn from the ancient culture of resource utilisation and also adapt to modern creative initiatives of other urban centers globally

G20 is undoubtedly the most powerful group of nations, and it makes U20 one of the most influential advocates of city initiatives. It is a matter of pride that Ahmedabad is hosting the U20 Mayoral Summit this year. Cities in India are undergoing transformation through various missions and schemes of the Government of India and also through the initiatives taken by the state and local governments. A revolution is underway, especially in managing and handling waste in cities and towns. The initiatives are reshaping the way Indian cities and towns view waste and resources. U20 Ahmedabad can become a platform to expedite the collective efforts to promote a circular economy and optimal waste utilisation.

According to the publication titled ‘Towards a more resource-efficient and circular economy: The role of the G20’, G20 countries contribute to an important share of past and projected materials use and have a key role to play in improving resource efficiency and advancing to a more circular economy. Comprising 60 per cent of the world’s population, 80per cent of the world GDP, and 75per cent of global trade, G20 countries are estimated to contribute to 75per cent of global material use. In 2020, the domestic material consumption of G20 countries made up approximately 80 Gt. It is also true that a majority of these resources are being used in urban centers. Cities will be the best places where the concept of optimal resource efficiency should be put in place first.

One can find towering mountains of trash and endless streams of discarded products in most cities. The issue of legacy waste has been handled by cities slowly but steadily. Some cities like Indore have shown the way. I am sure that cities will sort this issue soon by using technology and modern methods of managing solid waste.

The important issue at hand is that cities do not create or add to the existing mountains of garbage. As cities still grapple with the consequences of rapid urbanisation and consumerism, they must learn from their mistakes. Cities can do this by transforming them into circular beacons of sustainability.

Citizen choices, minimalism and circularity

The concept of the circular economy, which simply aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible and extract maximum value from them, has gained remarkable traction in recent years. At its core lies the belief that waste is not an endpoint but rather a potential resource waiting to be harnessed. It flips our linear “take-make-dispose” model on its head, replacing it with a regenerative system that emphasises reuse, recycling, and regeneration.

This concept is not new to India or, for that matter, many civilizations. Talking about our traditional lifestyle, the Indian Vedic system also promoted a minimalist, sustainable living style and not the accumulation of excessive stuff. We can significantly reduce the use of natural resources if citizens voluntarily make amendments in their lifestyle. The Government of India has been promoting the idea through its Mission LiFE. It is a mass movement towards an environmentally conscious lifestyle. The underlying concept behind this is—Mindful and Deliberate Utilization, instead of Mindless and Destructive Consumption.

One of the fundamental concepts found in Vedic philosophy is the idea of “aparigraha” or non-accumulation. It encourages individuals to lead a life free from excessive possessions and waste, promoting a sense of contentment and balance. By adopting a minimalist lifestyle and focusing on what is truly essential, we can reduce our ecological footprint and minimise the strain on Earth’s finite resources. Minimalistic living—minimalism—has become a lifestyle choice in many countries these days, and more and more people are joining the trend to declutter their lives. Adopting a minimalist approach means embracing a mindset where only purposeful items are used. It involves simplifying life and possessing only the essentials necessary for daily routines.

Government institutions and ULBs are also introducing policies that reduce the usage of natural resources. The European Commission has recently announced that one common charging solution for all. By 2024, a common charger will be mandatory for all new portable electronic devices in the European Union member countries, such as mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, or e-readers.

The deadline for laptops is 2026, making piling up bundles of cables a thing of the past. Such a policy will promote the use of common chargers for mobile phones and other portable electronic devices. Other countries can also introduce such policies to reduce wastage, unnecessary consumption of natural resources, save money for consumers, and enhance convenience.

Urban efforts in promoting circularity

Cities across the world are embracing the concept of the circular economy to tackle the mounting challenges of solid waste generation, resource crunch, and usage efficiency.

Nowhere is the potential of the circular economy more apparent than in the cities of the G20, an influential group of nations that account for the lion’s share of global resource consumption and waste generation, as mentioned earlier in this article. These cities, with their immense populations and diverse economies, have become the testing grounds for innovative solutions that marry economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Indian cities like Delhi, Panaji, Pune, Chennai, and many others are using innovative ways to improve resource efficiency. Some of the cities have Material Recovery Facilities, some are using mobile applications to encourage citizens to give their unused items at home, and some others are using waste in Waste to Energy plants. Not just in India, it is happening in many cities in G20 countries and beyond. Cities in the G20 groups must forge strong city-to-city relationships to learn from their peers and adopt what suits them best.

Amsterdam Circular Strategy 2020-2025

Amsterdam, a city known for its picturesque canals and progressive mindset, has embarked on a mission to become a fully circular city by 2050. Through a combination of bold policies, public-private partnerships, and community engagement, Amsterdam has reimagined waste as a valuable resource. Waste streams are carefully segregated and transformed into new products, while innovative business models encourage sharing and circular consumption. The city has also embraced circular procurement practices, which involve prioritising the purchase of goods and services that are designed for durability, repairability, and reuse. The city actively engages with suppliers, promoting the use of recycled materials and demanding extended producer responsibility. By stimulating circular design and production, Amsterdam reduces waste generation and stimulates the development of a circular economy.

San Francisco’s Zero Waste Goal

The city has emerged as an inspiration for sustainability in the United States. The city’s ambitious zero waste goal has spurred a remarkable transformation, with recycling and composting becoming second nature to its residents. Through a combination of strict regulations, education campaigns, and the pioneering efforts of local entrepreneurs, San Francisco has shown that waste management can be a catalyst for social and economic change.

Copenhagen, Denmark District Heating

Copenhagen has implemented an extensive district heating system that harnesses waste heat generated by various sources, such as power plants and industrial facilities. Urban centers around the world are embracing the circular economy as a means to tackle the pressing challenges of waste management and resource scarcity. They are fostering innovation, creating jobs, and enhancing the quality of life.

G20 countries contribute to an important share of past and projected materials use and have a key role to play in improving resource efficiency and advancing to a more circular economy. Comprising 60 per cent of the world’s population, 80 per cent of the world GDP, and 75 per cent of global trade, G20 countries are estimated to contribute to 75 per cent of global material use. In 2020, the domestic material consumption of G20 countries made up approximately 80 Gt